Despite boasting an impressive squad in terms of talent and gaining promotion from League C of the UEFA Nations League last autumn, Sweden have been woeful in this FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and that continued with a 2-0 defeat at home to Switzerland the other day.
Kosovo head to Stockholm on the back of a goalless draw with Slovenia at the Pristina City Stadium in Prishtina the other day. Under the management of former Austria boss Franco Foda, the Kosovans have emerged as the biggest challenger to Switzerland in this group.
Kosovo defeated Sweden by two goals to nil in Kosovo last month and they could well cause major ruptures in Swedish football by going for blood in Scandinavia.
Sweden face Kosovo on Monday night in Solna in a crucial World Cup qualifier that will define whether they can keep any hope of reaching the playoffs alive.
It is a Group B fixture at the Nya Ullevi, and while Switzerland look clear favourites to top the group, Sweden know a win here is essential to climb off the bottom.
Sweden’s campaign has been a major disappointment so far. They have taken just one point from three games, leaving them fourth in the section with a negative goal difference.
Their only draw came against Slovenia, while defeats to Kosovo and Switzerland have left them playing catch-up.
For Sweden, the focus turns to the attacking trio of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, and Anthony Elanga, who have the quality to spark a revival.
There is also pressure on head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson to find balance as Sweden have created enough chances to win games but have not managed the defensive structure to hold leads. Monday offers a chance to reset, in front of a home crowd that will demand a response.
Predicted line-ups
Sweden (3-5-2): Johansson, Lagerbielke, Hien, Gudmundsson, Bernhardsson, Bergvall, Karlström, Ayari, Sema, Gyökeres, Isak.
Kosovo (4-3-3): Muric, Krasniqi, Hajdari, Aliti, Vojvoda, Avdullahu, Rexhbecaj, Gallapeni, Muslija, Rrahmani, Muriqi.
